Culebra Island

Journey to the cozy island of Culebra, Puerto Rico. Slip off you shoes, socks and worries as you sink your feet into the white sand beaches. Once you step off the plane or ferry, be prepared to adjust your pace to lay back and I mean really lay back. Culebra Island is the Caribbean as it was many years ago. It is one of the last remaining islands surrounded by pristine coral reefs where you still experience the Caribbean as nature intended it to be.

The native language is Spanish, but almost everyone can speak some English. American currency is used, and telephone calls to the U.S. are just regular long distance. The island was under control of the U.S. Navy for many years and only recently became open to the public for tourism. In 1909, the Culebra National Wildlife refuge was established and is presently one of over 400 sites administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The refuge comprises over 1400 acres including 23 islands and rock beds. The refuge is well known as a nesting site for a variety of seabirds and preserves and an important habitat for the endangered leatherback turtles and the Culebra giant anole.

Culebra island sits nineteen miles east of the main island Puerto Rico and fourteen miles west of St. Thomas, USVI. It was first settle by the Spanish in 1886 and became part of the United States in 1898. Culebra is one of the best kept secrets of Puerto Rico and the Caribbean. The island is seven miles long and three miles wide, surrounded by miles of deserted beaches and beautiful coral reefs.

Staying at Posada la Hamaca will give you the true Culebra island experience. Set out foot to discover Dewey, the one small town that inhabits Culebra. In Dewey, you will find the color and activity of the Caribbean. Happy hour with friends, a relaxing sunset and a walk on the beach is a great way to spend your evening after a day of investigating the beautiful coral reefs, beaches and surroundings of Culebra. If you feel a little more adventurous you can also explore Culebrita, is the largest cayo (coastal reef or small island) near Culebra. It is accessible only by boat, and boasts the oldest operating lighthouse in the Caribbean. Culebra, Culebra, Culebra – a place where time stands still, and another day means just another beach……